Inside Chemring

To mark the start of a week of saluting our forces, we met with Mark, Principal Consultant at Roke, to hear about his time in the military and how he ended up working at Roke.  

Tell us about your military career 

I joined the Royal Signals in January 1993 as a Telecommunications Technician.  After basic training at Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn and trade training at 8 Signal Regiment in Catterick, I was posted to 7 Signal Regiment in Krefeld, Germany, in June 1994.   

I spent just over four years at 7 Signal Regiment, primarily in 1st Line support to all aspects of the Ptarmigan Wide Area Network communications system, including UHF, SHF, VHF and satellite bearers.  During this period, I deployed on many exercises in northern Germany and Denmark and as part of the International Peace Implementation Force (IFOR) to Sarajevo, Bosnia.   

In Aug 1998, I moved to the Royal School of Signals to complete my Class 1 trade training, after which I was posted in Sep 1999 to 259 Signal Squadron in Episkopi, Cyprus, supporting both the fixed telephony and data services as well as radio communication systems used on the island.  I was promoted to Sergeant whilst in Cyprus and selected to return to the Royal School of Signals in Jan 2001, this time as an instructor, delivering trade training to new recruits on subjects including HF and VHF radios, encryption devices and radio test equipment.   

During my time as an instructor, I went skiing for the first time, something I developed a real passion for. I went on to represent the Royal School of Signals and subsequent units for the remainder of my career at the Royal Signals Alpine Skiing Championships.  While working as an instructor, I applied for the selection of Foreman of Signals (the senior communications engineering management position in any Royal Signals unit).   

After passing both entrance exams, I was successful on the selection board in Apr 2004 and began the Foreman of Signals course in Sep 2004.  Upon completing the course, during which I gained a BSc (Hons) in Telecommunications Systems Engineering, I was promoted to Staff Sergeant and posted to 39 Infantry Brigade Headquarters & Signal Squadron in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, arriving in May 2006.  My main role during this time was managing the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system used by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Army and the intelligence services and its handover to the PSNI on the completion of Operation Banner.   

I moved back to Germany in Jul 2007, first to 1 (UK) Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment, then after promotion to Warrant Officer to 102 Logistics Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron in Jul 2009 and 20 Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron in Jul 2011, each time assuming the role of Foreman of Signals for the unit.  I deployed to Afghanistan in Sep 2011 on Operation Herrick 15 as part of Task Force Helmand Headquarters, responsible for communications engineering, management and maintenance across the Helmand area of operations.   

My final posting in Jul 2013 saw me return to the Royal School of Signals, this time delivering communications management and planning instruction to Troop Commanders, Foreman of Signals and Yeoman of Signals courses.  I left the Army in January 2015 after 22 thoroughly enjoyable years.   

How did you end up at Chemring? 

Someone I had worked with at various points in my military career was working at Roke and identified an upcoming position that he thought I would be a good fit for due to the knowledge that I had gained through my career.  After a discussion with him, the role seemed very interesting, and Roke appeared to be a company that genuinely valued and invested in its people.  An application and a couple of positive interviews later, here I am! 

What's your role at Chemring? 

My job title is Principal Consultant, working within the Defence business unit.  To date, I have worked on quite a range of projects in the short time (9 months) I have been at Roke.  These range from Project ZODIAC, the digitalisation of tactical ISTAR, through designing and delivering a test and evaluation rig for Radio Frequency Machine Learning to investigating how programmable user planes can be used to enhance performance in tactical communications systems. 

What do you miss the most about military life? 

I enjoyed competitive shooting throughout my Army career, representing many of the units I served at, both at Corps and Army level competitions.  Unfortunately, shooting, especially in the military competition style, is very hard to do outside of the Army in the UK.  The other thing I miss about military life is the social aspect.  When everyone lives relatively close to each other, it is far easier to get a sizeable group of people together for a night out than it is in civilian life, where people’s homes are far more likely to be geographically dispersed. 

What do you enjoy about your current role? 

There are a number of reasons that I really enjoy working for Roke.  Although I loved the military, it is nice to work in a place where people come with more varied experiences and backgrounds.  So far, the work has been varied and challenging, but there will always be someone prepared to take time out to assist you if things get a bit too challenging.   

Do you think Chemring is a good fit for veterans? 

I truly do.  As veterans, we have been in a lot of positions where we are now designing and developing products to improve.  As a veteran, you can understand the benefit our work will deliver to the people on the ground, on the water or in the sky who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend our country and way of life.  I don’t think there is any better reason to enjoy getting up in the morning than knowing you are doing your bit to make other people’s lives better, safer and easier.